Originally Posted By: Cujet
Just rented a brand new 2014 Impala.
NOPE! Not for me.
The back seat has insufficient leg room. I can't believe it, but the car is big on the outside and small on the inside, like the poster above says. I'm 5 foot 10, 190 pounds and can't fit in the back unless the seat is moved up 4 inches!
It's engine is as refined as a 2003 Honda V6, which is to say, quite refined, but not world class. It's still 10 years behind the best of today's engines.
The transmission is standard GM fare. Smooth and unresponsive, slow and gentle shifts, and takes 2 seconds to upshift in manual mode, once commanded. Ugh.
Steering is much like the previous Impala. OK, but not sports car taught. The steering wheel is huge and blocks some of the controls for the display, no matter the position of the wheel. Why are we still having these issues??
The ride is EXACTLY like GM cars from years ago. It feels like the suspension is populated with large, fresh, rubber bushings. It's a typical GM feel and owners of those big 1978 Gran Prix's will feel right at home. The cornering is fairly capable, as GM did a good job keeping the wheels planted accurately on the road.
The car accelerates well enough, once floored, but torque steer is enough to pull you out of your lane if you are not "on top of it".
Conclusion: It feels exactly like an older, large GM vehicle, with a few added bad habits, worse throttle response and insufficient rear seat room.
22MPG in mixed driving.
Edit just read the thread and saw you were referring to the rental special.